Senior Robotics Controls Engineer

Jenn Nguyen and Friends; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary plus equity

Relocation assistance ($5K–$10K)

Job summary

Jenn Nguyen and Friends in San Francisco is seeking a Senior Robotics Controls Engineer to develop control systems for cutting-edge surgical robots designed for complex procedures. You will work with a dynamic team to design algorithms for motion planning and integrate sensor inputs into real-time control logic.

The position offers a competitive base salary between $150K and $250K plus equity, with relocation assistance and a 5-day in-office work policy.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of robotics engineering or closely related experience.
• Deep understanding of control systems (linear and non-linear).
• Experience with ROS or ROS2.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement control systems and motion planning for a surgical robotics platform.
• Design algorithms for trajectory planning and behavior planning.
• Integrate 2D/3D sensor inputs into control logic.

Skills

C++

Python

Control systems

Robot Operating System (ROS)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Engineering, Computer Science or related field

Job description

San Francisco, California, United States

Senior Robotics Controls Engineer

Compensation: $150K–$250K base + equity (no bonus). Location: South San Francisco, CA. Work policy: 5 days/week in‑office. Sponsorship: visa transfers supported (not open to OPT candidates). Stage: Seed‑stage surgical robotics company, $14M raised. Hiring target: 1.

Overview

We are building autonomous surgical robots designed to dramatically shorten the learning curve for complex procedures. Our systems combine robotics, motion planning, computer vision, and real‑time control to execute surgical steps with speed and precision. This is a high‑priority hire; the team is moving quickly and eager to engage strong candidates immediately.

What’s in It for You

• Work on cutting‑edge robotic control systems with real‑world clinical impact.
• Own motion planning and control algorithms in a production robotic platform.
• Join a well‑funded seed‑stage company with commercial traction.
• High autonomy and direct collaboration with founders.
• Competitive base salary plus meaningful equity.
• Relocation assistance ($5K–$10K).

What Will You Do

• Develop and implement control systems and motion planning for a surgical robotics platform.
• Design algorithms for trajectory planning, behavior planning, and robotic actuation.
• Work on state estimation, inverse kinematics, and Model Predictive Control (MPC).
• Integrate 2D/3D sensor inputs (Lidar, cameras, TOF, IMUs) into control logic.
• Contribute to real‑time, low‑latency robotic systems with high accuracy requirements.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, ML, and UI teams to deliver production‑ready robotic capabilities.

What Will You Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (strong academic background required).
• 3+ years of robotics engineering or closely related experience.
• Deep understanding of control systems (linear and non‑linear).
• Strong software development skills in C++ and/or Python.
• Experience with ROS or ROS2.
• Startup mindset: high ownership, urgency, and comfort working in fast‑paced environments.

Strongly Preferred

• Master’s degree.
• Experience in autonomous vehicles or aerospace (Guidance, Navigation & Control, embedded flight control).
• Knowledge of surgical robotics systems.
• Experience with Model Predictive Control (MPC), system identification, and advanced control theory.
• Background in robotics software engineering involving object tracking, sensor fusion, or real‑time systems.

Must Not Have

• Manufacturing Controls engineer background (industrial/PLC‑focused).
• Primarily MATLAB‑only experience without production‑grade software development.

Additional High‑Signal Experience

• Robotics Controls
• Control Theory
• Flight Controls
• State Estimation
• Inverse Kinematics
• Model Predictive Control (MPC)
• Behavior Planning
• Trajectory Planning
• System Identification
• Embedded flight control software

All applicants must satisfy the qualifications and preferences described above. This position is open and actively recruiting.